deflect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Exxon Mobil counterpunched with its defamation claim, Mr. Bonta’s spokesperson called it “another attempt from Exxon Mobil to deflect attention from its own unlawful deception.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In Babies, Steven often uses humour to deflect from what he is really feeling, a coping mechanism that masks the depth of his grief.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

“This is just a fig leaf to deflect from criticism,” Ocasio-Cortez posted on X External link in response to Kalshi’s new measures.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

In December, The Times revealed that the city’s after-action report had been altered to deflect criticism of LAFD’s failure to predeploy engines and crews to the Palisades, among other shortcomings.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

He picked up a fork and began shoveling scrambled eggs into his mouth, hoping to deflect any invitation to join in this part of the conversation.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling